Everything I Learned in Grade School about Democracy was Wrong.

Maybe it’s not what teachers told me but how I interpreted what they told me. I’m accountable for my misinterpretation, but here’s what I thought was true:

· Americans choose their leaders by how the majority votes.

· The majority rules with compassion and consideration of minorities.

· Americans make good choices.

· White supremacy is bad.

· The Civil War is over, and racism is a thing of the past.

· Progress is a good thing.

· Americans learn from history.

· Every citizen should be allowed and encouraged to vote.

· “Checks and balances” will prevent takeover by a dictator.

· The United States has a moral obligation to promote democracy worldwide.

· America is a good role model for good government.

· Domestic terrorism should be discouraged and prevented.

· Assembling to peaceably register protest is an important part of Americana and is encouraged.

· “America” is an appropriate name for the United States of America.

· The U.S. can be trusted to keep its agreements with other nations.

· People elected to high positions care about us and put their country above selfish motives.

· Our electoral system works.

· Corruption in government is wrong — always.

· Police officers should be trusted to uphold the law and protect us.

· Authoritarian rule in other countries should be discouraged and censured.

· Obstruction of justice is illegal and subject to punishment.

· Lynching, mob rule and persecution of the underdog is wrong.

· Poverty, hunger and suffering in America are minimal and on the way out.

· The ends don’t justify the means.

· Anyone in a democracy who works hard will succeed.

· Soldiers who fight for America are courageous and worthy of our praise.

· Lying is wrong.

· The United States of America is affected by what goes on in the rest of the world.

· America’s powerful place in the world commits it to helping other nations.

· We welcome and protect the “huddled masses, yearning to breathe free.”

· One of the country’s great strengths is as a “melting pot” of cultures.

· Most Americans can see through campaign mud-slinging.

· The vast majority of U.S. citizens will never choose a demagogue.

· The free press is sacred to our political system and will keep us appropriately informed.

· America has learned that isolationism is a narrow-minded concept and weakens us.

· Democracy is the best form of government and will make the world a better place.